Hackensack University Medical Center’s Spine Surgery Program Earned The Joint Commission Disease Specific Care Certification

The spine surgery program certification is the hospital’s 27th certification from The Joint Commission, marking the most certifications of any hospital in the nation

Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center announced today that it earned its 27th The Joint Commission (TJC) Disease Specific Care (DSC) certification, marking the most certifications of any hospital in the nation. On October 21, TJC awarded the spine surgery program at Hackensack University Medical Center with the DSC certification after a rigorous review process that included surveys that studied patient outcomes, team member and patient interviews, and policy and procedure review.

“The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal® represents Hackensack University Medical Center’s ongoing commitment to achieving clinical excellence,” said Mark D. Sparta, FACHE, president and chief hospital executive, Hackensack University Medical Center and executive vice president of Population Health, Hackensack Meridian Health. “We look forward to elevating the standard of care in New Jersey and across the nation, and I want to congratulate our spine surgery program team members for this well-deserved recognition.”

The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal® is a symbol of quality that reflects the organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care. This is the spine surgery program at Hackensack University Medical Center’s initial certification. The surveyor noted that Hackensack University Medical Center has the most program certifications she has ever seen and complimented the organization’s strong culture of safety. She also observed that the team members were engaged and communicated effectively with patients. The surveyor shared that the leadership team is dedicated to quality and improvement. In addition, feedback from patients about the organization was very positive.

“The mission of Hackensack University Medical Center’s spine surgery program is to deliver the safest and highest quality of care to the patients we serve,” said Randy Thomas, Interim Director, Orthopedics, Neuroscience, Neurosurgery at Hackensack University Medical Center. “This recognition from The Joint Commission is a symbol of the high standard of excellence we hold ourselves to each day. I want to thank our outstanding team members for their tireless commitment to improving the quality of life for our patients and their families.”

The spine surgery program at Hackensack University Medical Center is a collaboration of orthopedic spine surgeons and neuro spine surgeons. These service lines come together to offer a standardized approach to patient education, preparation and expectations using best practices regarding patient recovery.

“I would also like to congratulate Tom Flynn, senior vice president and chief compliance officer; Renee Harvey, vice president, Regulatory Affairs; their team and everyone involved in earning this new Joint Commission certification,” added Sparta.

An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards. In all, Hackensack University Medical Center has earned 27 Joint Commission certifications, more than any other hospital in the country.